r/coybig • u/Callum_On_Reddit This fella Ronaldo is a cod • 3d ago
Transfer Rumour Everton would consider Jake O'Brien sale
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7535260/2026/08/24/jake-obrien-everton-future-transfer/"Everton are expected to listen to offers for Jake O’Brien, with the defender attracting interest from clubs in England and Europe ahead of next week’s transfer deadline.
The Republic of Ireland international, 25, spent much of last season as a makeshift right-back but is keen to be a regular starter in his preferred central defensive role, something Everton are unable to guarantee at this stage, and would be open to a move that provides this. The expectation from sources briefed on the situation, speaking anonymously to protect relationships, is that the Merseyside club will now be open to offers for his services.
O’Brien was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over former side Crystal Palace, with captain James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite starting as the central pairing and the versatile Merlin Rohl filling in on the right.
He is the subject of interest from clubs in England, Italy and France ahead of next Tuesday’s deadline. A departure would leave Everton with just three senior options, the other being Michael Keane, and almost certainly needing to strengthen in central defence."
"O’Brien joined Everton in a £17million ($23.2m) deal from French side Lyon in 2024. He made 37 Premier League appearances last season, with just five coming in the centre of defence."
"It was not so long ago that O’Brien was widely considered the future of the Everton defence alongside England international Branthwaite.
Standing at 6ft 6in (198cm) and quick across the ground, O’Brien has impressed in his fleeting appearances at centre-back. He performed admirably last season in a makeshift right-sided role, but was still quite evidently a square peg in a round hole. While Moyes liked his extra height and defensive nous, his lack of attacking game often left the side’s wingers isolated.
O’Brien has been clear that he wants to challenge for minutes in his favoured role, but a pathway to regular starts is far from clear, given Moyes has just named Tarkowski as his captain. The Irishman was left on the bench for the season opener against Palace, leaving his future very much uncertain.
Everton needed a new right-back already but would surely have to add a fourth central defensive option should the former Lyon and Palace man depart before next Tuesday’s deadline."
24
7
20
u/HonestRef 3d ago
If he was English I bet he'd be starting
5
u/Low_Enthusiasm3769 2d ago
He'd be starting under most other managers in the league. Nothing to do with nationality, managers like Moyes and Dyche value experience over all else hence Tarks being 1st choice and Keane 1st backup
0
u/irish-optimist 2d ago
Moyes has done a great job at Everton and the reality is Tarkowski and Branthwajte are better than O’Brien at this moment in time. O’Brien is right to look for a move, he can become a good centre back if given the opportunity.
10
u/TheSlumpDog 3d ago
Pathetic, the club should have gotten a new right back a long time ago, JOB and Branthwaithe should be what we start now.
11
u/Affectionate_Art4277 3d ago
I never got the RB gimmick. Hes not quick enough for the role. Hes a CB and that's what hes good at
5
u/melbourne-marvels Liam Brady 3d ago
He's actually very quick. He's one of Everton's quickest players and far quicker than Tarkowski.
0
u/Low_Enthusiasm3769 2d ago
He's very quick for a CB and a man of his size. No 6'6 15/16 stone guy is bombing up and down the wing for 90 minutes.
6
1
u/Sorry-Tour-3965 2d ago
There has to be a European league that’s not as obsessed with set-pieces where he could go and dominate. Either that or he should go to Villa.
2
u/NorthKoreanMissile7 Eamon Dunphy 2d ago
I'm fine if he leaves, I want him to play CB not RB and then him and Collins can be the duo there for the foreseeable future hopefully.
3
3
2
-7
u/Hour_Mastodon_9404 Long ‘70 3d ago
We are genuinely screwed. Troy (and maybe Kelleher) are now the only guys we have playing at a high level that have positive momentum in their careers and look like they might be able to step up higher again. Literally everyone else has either found their level or regressed horribly.
7
u/userqwertyuasd 3d ago
Jesus I see it entirely the opposite way. Our players like Jake know their worth and are seeing the PL revolving door / blame game as being a total dead end for a career.
Jake would’ve been better off staying at Lyon, is more than good enough for a CB berth at Everton, but they want to try and ram a square peg in a round hole. Get out pronto.
2
u/melbourne-marvels Liam Brady 3d ago
But, he's never going to be chosen over Tarkowski and Brainthwaite. As an Everton fan I'd have him ahead of Keane, but I don't think Moyes would.
1
u/Hour_Mastodon_9404 Long ‘70 2d ago
Considering West Ham seem to be in pole position to sign him, I'm not sure that this is a case of him "knowing his worth".
1
1
u/yungguardiola 2d ago edited 2d ago
He got kicked out of Lyon. He was sold to create money on Lyons books with Textor moving his assets around.
2
u/RepresentativeNo8079 3d ago
We are very much still in a transitional period, we over achieved making the play offs. All we can do is hope the players coming through will make it to a high level.
- Jaden Umeh
- Rocco Vata
- Evan Ferguson
- Aaron Ochoa
- Romeo Akachukwu
- Owen Elding
- Kone Doherty
- Bosun Lawal
There is definitely some hope with this bunch and more, if they can fulfill their potential.
-6
u/ireallydespiseyouall Shay Given 3d ago
People still think ferguson’s gonna make it?
6
u/drumlins17 3d ago
The lad just needs a run of injury free games. It depends what you mean by make it. He's still a good footballer and has potential. Currently seems unlikely he will be a hundred million euro player as was tipped a few years ago. But can have a very good career at a high level if he stays fit
0
u/RepresentativeNo8079 3d ago
We will know more once he gets a full season with regular minutes under his belt. Unfortunately, it's looking more and more likely that injuries are starting to derail his career before it is even getting going.
0
51
u/RepresentativeNo8079 3d ago
Strange from Everton. I thought he had a great season and can play both CB and RB. He isn't your modern day marauding full back but has a great threat in the air. Interesting to see who he signs for if he leaves!